Snaith/ HAWK ROOSTING 15 MARKS

In the poem ‘Hawk Roosting’ Hughes explores the themes of nature and power. The first impression of this poem is that it is solely about nature- the hawk is an example of a hunter searching for his prey. He believes he is a perfectly evolved predator and his ruthless and barbaric nature, which is shown in his use of verbs- ‘tearing off heads,’ emphasises the harsh reality of the survival of the fittest. However, after a deeper analysis, this poem could be alternatively interpreted as a political statement criticising tyrannous dictatorships, Man’s conflict and desire for war, greed and power.

Published in 1960, Hughes makes contextual links to the reigns of Hitler and Stalin. This poem could be interpreted as Hughes’ internal monologue, transferring his opinions through the hawk. It mocks the oppressive leader’s pride and self-importance. The irony that these leaders eventually crumbled adds to the effect and meaning.

The mood and emotion portrayed throughout this poem focuses mainly around the hawk’s self-obsession and arrogance. He describes the environment as being ‘of advantage to me;’ even nature itself is there to serve him. He believes everything around him supports him- ‘the sun is behind me.’ His arrogance is further emphasised when he says that ‘it took the whole of creation to produce my foot,’ implying that God spent his time creating the hawk…